Jaguars begin search for offensive coordinator

Posted: Thursday, January 06, 2005

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Owner Wayne Weaver said earlier this week that money will not be an object in the Jaguars' search for a new offensive coordinator, which could clear the way for them to pursue of one of the NFL's hottest candidates.

Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Scott Linehan may be among the Jaguars' top choices, though Linehan could command up to $1 million a year or more while being pursued heavily by the several other teams currently set to have vacancies at that position this offseason.

Asked if paying a large salary to an assistant would be a problem, Weaver said: "What in my history would make you believe that? We want to go find the best guy, whoever he is."

Linehan, who is among the lowest-paid coordinators in the league at a reported $300,000 per year, will be available when the Vikings finish the playoffs because his contract expires with the end of Minnesota's season.

The Jaguars are likely to look for a backup offensive tackle in free agency this offseason because left-side starter Mike Pearson isn't expected back until the start of training camp, at the earliest.

Pearson has been sidelined by torn knee ligaments since early October, and Del Rio said the former Florida Gator - while ahead of schedule - faces "a long, tough road back" from reconstructive surgery.

No more tags for Darius

Del Rio said he does not expect the Jaguars to give strong safety Donovin Darius the franchise tag for a third consecutive year, meaning Darius likely will go on the open market in April.

Del Rio said the Jaguars are hopeful of signing Darius to a long-term contract instead of using the franchise designation, although Darius has indicated he wants to be among the highest-paid safeties in the league.

Wrighster has disk surgery

Del Rio said the outlook for George Wrighster appears bright after the backup tight end recently had surgery to remove a bulging disk in his back.

Wrighster, a key contributor in the passing game, is expected to make a full recovery and could be back in time for the first minicamp in April.

Defensive ends Paul Spicer, Rob Meier, Jorge Cordova and Lionel Barnes -- all of whom ended the season on injured reserve - all are expected back before the start of training camp, Del Rio said.